"Exploring New Zealand's South Island: A Nature Lover's 3-Week Itinerary"

Week 1:

Day 1-2: Christchurch (MORE INFO)

• Arrive in Christchurch, explore the city briefly, and rest after your journey.

• Visit the Christchurch Botanic Gardens and enjoy a leisurely walk around Hagley Park

This vibrant city offers spectacular culture, heritage, and nightlife – along with the world’s most stunning scenery, right on its doorstep

Day 3-4: Kaikoura (MORE INFO)

• Drive or take a bus to Kaikoura (about 2.5 hours from Christchurch).

• Spend a day whale watching and dolphin swimming.

• Explore the Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway for stunning coastal views.

Kaikoura is a base for wildlife adventures of all kinds. It's also home to delicious crab (in Maori, "kai" means food and "koura" means crab). Kaikoura is a leisurely two-hour drive from Christchurch and is a great destination for a day trip or a stopover on the way to Marlborough.

The scenery in Kaikoura is spectacular: the town is nestled between the rugged Seaward Kaikoura Range and the Pacific Ocean. In winter, the mountains are covered in snow, adding to the beauty of the scenery.

Day 5-7: Abel Tasman National Park (MORE INFO)

• Drive to Abel Tasman National Park (about 4-5 hours from Kaikoura).

• Spend three days exploring the coastal tracks, kayaking, and relaxing on the golden beaches.

• Take a scenic cruise along the coast to appreciate the beauty of the park from the water.
  

Abel Tasman National Park is New Zealand's smallest national park - but it's perfectly formed for relaxation and adventure

Week 2:

Day 8-10: Punakaiki and West Coast (MORE INFO)

• Drive to Punakaiki (about 4 hours from Abel Tasman).

• Explore the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes Walk.

• Spend a day surfing at Tauranga Bay or Nine Mile Beach.

• Continue along the West Coast, stopping at Hokitika and Greymouth for surfing and exploring the rugged coastline.
  

Day 11-12: Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier (MORE INFO)

• Drive to Franz Josef Glacier (about 2.5 hours from Punakaiki).

• Take a guided hike or scenic flight over Franz Josef Glacier.

• Drive to Fox Glacier (about 30 minutes) and explore Lake Matheson for stunning reflections of Aoraki/Mount Cook.
  

While glaciers around the world are retreating, the Fox and Franz Josef glaciers still flow almost to sea level. The temperate climate at this low altitude means these glaciers are among the most convenient to visit in the world. An easy walk is available to the foot of Franz Josef Glacier along the river valley with steep sides bearing gigantic horizontal scars from when the glaciers have retreated and advanced over millennia

Day 13-15: Wanaka and Queenstown (MORE INFO)

• Drive to Wanaka (about 3 hours from Fox Glacier).

• Spend a day exploring Wanaka's surrounding nature, such as hiking Roy's Peak or biking along the lakeshore.

• Drive to Queenstown (about 1.5 hours from Wanaka) and spend two days enjoying adventure activities like jet boating, bungee jumping, or skydiving.

• Relax by Lake Wakatipu and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Queenstown.

A lively town buzzing with a carefree spirit, Wānaka’s picture-perfect location and easy access to the outdoors makes it the ultimate base

Week 3:

Day 16-17: Fiordland National Park (MORE INFO)

• Drive to Te Anau (about 2.5 hours from Queenstown).

• Explore Milford Sound with a scenic cruise or kayak tour.

• Take a day hike on one of the many trails in Fiordland National Park, such as the Routeburn Track or Kepler Track.

One of the most dramatic and beautiful parts of New Zealand; the power of Fiordland's scenery never fails to enthral travellers.

Day 18-19: Catlins (MORE INFO)

• Drive to the Catlins (about 3.5 hours from Te Anau).

• Explore Cathedral Caves, Nugget Point, and Purakaunui Falls.

• Spend a day surfing at one of the secluded beaches along the Catlins coast.

Day 20-21: Dunedin

• Drive to Dunedin (about 3 hours from the Catlins).

• Explore the Otago Peninsula for wildlife viewing opportunities, including albatross and penguin colonies.

• Spend a day surfing at St Clair Beach or Blackhead Beach.

Ōtepoti Dunedin is a region of unique and beautiful landscapes, wildlife and fascinating cultural history

Day 22: Return to Christchurch

• Drive back to Christchurch (about 4-5 hours from Dunedin).

• Enjoy a final day exploring the city or relaxing before departing.

This itinerary offers a balance of stunning natural landscapes, outdoor activities, and surfing opportunities while minimizing time spent in cities. However, feel free to adjust it based on your preferences and available time.

Safe travels and enjoy your adventure in New Zealand!